~ the ramblings of a perambulent and often distracted sojourner

Monthly Archives: April 2010

The hope for Zimbabwe lies in its future leadership, well-educated and founded on the trust that is realised in the gift of the gospel of Christ. So claims Antony Dandato, representing the Fellowship of Christian Unions in Zimbabwe (FOCUS) speaking at the Church of Christ Wembley Downs during an extended visit to Perth. The goal of FOCUS is to unite and equip tertiary students from a variety of campuses and Christian traditions for leadership in their various fields in the hope that Zimbabwe social and economic life has seen its worst days and is ready for fresh beginnings. From the sound basis of values and consideration for others based on the good news of Christ, Antony believes that Zimbabwe and many other African nations can build a solid future.

Antony fielded a Q & A session with the congregation, highlighting the value of longterm leadership preparation as the most effective strategy for rebuilding his country. The congregation would also know through previous visitors from Zimbabwe and the church’s support of the Khayelihle Children’s Village that this view is widely shared amongst Zimbabwe Christian leaders.

Antony is keen to share news of how Christian students on university campuses in his country can combine their efforts in contributing to Zimbabwe’s future.

The Book of Eli joins the current spate of post-apocalyptic films, perhaps riding high on the uncertainty of the times. Is the strong violence gratuitous or meant to give expression to the ultimate manifestation of dog-eat-dog society? Are the motives behind hunger for possession of the sacred book aimed at self-aggrandisement or service of others? These questions and other metaphors that arise in the telling of the story seem to be suitable for contemporary times, not just an imagined future. Make allowances for Hollywood sentiments and characterisations and you may find yourself thinking about the film longer than an hour after leaving the cinema.